I am learning more and more about myself these days. I am also learning a lot about the world around me. Sometimes I like what I am seeing and other times I don’t. I am also learning that if I want to see something different, I must be something different. In fact, my biggest lesson is that what I see is determined by what I am.
Think about it-the world around us is basically reciprocal: the reality we perceive and the view we have of ourselves go together and feed back on each other. I am becoming more and more aware that my view of others is a direct reflection of my own mind set. If I am selfish, I will be suspicious. If I am generous, I will likely be more trustful. If I am honest with myself, I won’t anticipate deceit. If I am fair, I’m less likely to feel cheated. In a sense, looking at people can be like looking in a mirror.
Maybe Jesus was referring to this when he said, "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. 38 If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Lk. 6:37- 38)
Jesus goes on to say that bit about taking the telephone pole out of my own eye before I go after the toothpick in someone else's.
By the way, why was Jesus so accepting of others? I mean, He had such a way about Him. Could it be that He was so healthy, so secure, that His eyes saw what few others could see? When others saw trash, He saw treasure. He saw undeveloped potential. He looked into people’s heart and saw worth and undiscovered gifts. He saw the image of God!
I am having a shift in my thinking. I am not asking what is wrong with everything and everybody else. I am asking a new set of questions of myself these days. What is going on in me? What is my potential? What is my worth? My answers to these questions determine what I see and get back from the world and everyone in it.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” -Jesus (Luke 6:22-23
May God transform the eyes of our hearts to see a whole new world!
Chris
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
relational balance
Today I read and expanded on an article from Gary Smalley. I found it refreshing and helpful.
Three Components of Relational Balance
Are you spread thin relationally? Too many people pulling you in too many directions?
There are three main components to maintaining a relational balance in your life. Neglect or overlook any of the three and you'll soon be heading for trouble.
Receiving. To stay healthy, you have to receive from others. You need the help and assistance of others. To practice good self-care, you must learn to let the love of others penetrate. So many of us never allow anyone in. Let people encourage you. Ask for people to pray for you and listen to them pray, it will do your heart good.
Attending. Good self-care means that you must learn to attend to your own legitimate needs. That means that you have to understand what your emotions are telling you about your circumstances. Remember, your feelings provide information essential for effective self-care.
All of these sources—signals from the body, mind, and heart—provide helpful information that can guide and direct your self-care process. Rest, nutrition, exercise, and spiritual inspiration are critical in order to maintain healthy relationships.
Giving. You stop self-care from degenerating into selfishness. Why? Because you realize that you take care of yourself so that you have something to give to others. Selfishness kills. You cannot make yourself happy any way.
Let me say it as strongly as possible: there's no way that you can really take care of yourself without truly giving and serving others. If you're not giving—if you're focused only on receiving—then you're working against your own best interests.
If we pay attention to these areas, we can maintain relational balance and enjoy people instead of being annoyed by them.
Chris
Three Components of Relational Balance
Are you spread thin relationally? Too many people pulling you in too many directions?
There are three main components to maintaining a relational balance in your life. Neglect or overlook any of the three and you'll soon be heading for trouble.
Receiving. To stay healthy, you have to receive from others. You need the help and assistance of others. To practice good self-care, you must learn to let the love of others penetrate. So many of us never allow anyone in. Let people encourage you. Ask for people to pray for you and listen to them pray, it will do your heart good.
Attending. Good self-care means that you must learn to attend to your own legitimate needs. That means that you have to understand what your emotions are telling you about your circumstances. Remember, your feelings provide information essential for effective self-care.
All of these sources—signals from the body, mind, and heart—provide helpful information that can guide and direct your self-care process. Rest, nutrition, exercise, and spiritual inspiration are critical in order to maintain healthy relationships.
Giving. You stop self-care from degenerating into selfishness. Why? Because you realize that you take care of yourself so that you have something to give to others. Selfishness kills. You cannot make yourself happy any way.
Let me say it as strongly as possible: there's no way that you can really take care of yourself without truly giving and serving others. If you're not giving—if you're focused only on receiving—then you're working against your own best interests.
If we pay attention to these areas, we can maintain relational balance and enjoy people instead of being annoyed by them.
Chris
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Attitude determines altitude
“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7
There is an attitude that leads toward generosity and another that leads to resentment. Any time we are manipulated or pressured into giving money it leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We sense that something is wrong and we don’t like it. But the attitude in our heart is half as much the problem as the pressure being applied on us to give.
We are told to not give reluctantly or under pressure because that is not the attitude that God enjoys. After all we are giving to Him, aren’t we? It is to Him that we give. Also the attitude that we have impacts us. A reluctant attitude leads toward resentment building up in our heart. This in turn results in a hardened, selfish heart-the opposite of what God loves.
At its core, giving is a matter of the heart. It is the heart that has been touched by God’s love that gives. It is the heart that has experienced God’s generosity that can open and respond in kind.
This is what God wants-a loving, grateful, and cheerful heart. This is what He desires for all of us. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Giving-generous giving is what produces a heart of love that is open and generous. There is no other way for us to experience this level of God’s character than to give and give generously.
We are told to “make up our own mind” about what we are going to give. God wants us to think about it and come to a decision. Has God been generous to me? Should I generously give back to Him? How much should I give? These are questions that I need to make up my own mind about. Then respond to Him accordingly not reluctantly or under pressure but willingly and joyfully.
When I have this attitude, I can give expectantly. Yes. I can give with the expectation that he will provide for all my needs. This is His promise, and this is the context in which I can claim it. But not just my needs, His promise has always been to bless in abundance.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Cor. 9:8
How much blessing do you want? It depends on how much blessing you want to give. Yes, your attitude determines your altitude. How high do you want to go?
There is an attitude that leads toward generosity and another that leads to resentment. Any time we are manipulated or pressured into giving money it leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We sense that something is wrong and we don’t like it. But the attitude in our heart is half as much the problem as the pressure being applied on us to give.
We are told to not give reluctantly or under pressure because that is not the attitude that God enjoys. After all we are giving to Him, aren’t we? It is to Him that we give. Also the attitude that we have impacts us. A reluctant attitude leads toward resentment building up in our heart. This in turn results in a hardened, selfish heart-the opposite of what God loves.
At its core, giving is a matter of the heart. It is the heart that has been touched by God’s love that gives. It is the heart that has experienced God’s generosity that can open and respond in kind.
This is what God wants-a loving, grateful, and cheerful heart. This is what He desires for all of us. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Giving-generous giving is what produces a heart of love that is open and generous. There is no other way for us to experience this level of God’s character than to give and give generously.
We are told to “make up our own mind” about what we are going to give. God wants us to think about it and come to a decision. Has God been generous to me? Should I generously give back to Him? How much should I give? These are questions that I need to make up my own mind about. Then respond to Him accordingly not reluctantly or under pressure but willingly and joyfully.
When I have this attitude, I can give expectantly. Yes. I can give with the expectation that he will provide for all my needs. This is His promise, and this is the context in which I can claim it. But not just my needs, His promise has always been to bless in abundance.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Cor. 9:8
How much blessing do you want? It depends on how much blessing you want to give. Yes, your attitude determines your altitude. How high do you want to go?
Friday, July 21, 2006
secret power
unlock the secret: If you sow, you will reap!
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
If I go outside right now and throw a rock up into the air as high as I can throw it, a law will inevitably catch up with my throw and bring the rock back to the ground-the law of gravity.
There is another law that I want to show you today-the law of reaping and sowing. We need a farming and gardening mentality when it come to unleashing God’s power into our finances. Do you know that there is power in a seed? Yes, a seed is filled with untold potential just waiting to be released.
The Bible teaches us that when we sow financially into God’s work a powerful law is put into motion. But we need to understand how this law works so let me try and give some insight.
The law of reaping and sowing:
1. You reap later than you sow. We don’t sow some seed and expect the next day for a plant to come up. It takes watering, sunshine and time. So it is with our generosity. We do not reap a return immediately. It often takes time, faith, patience & thanksgiving.
2. You reap more than you sow. Plant an apple seed – that yields an apple tree. That apple tree produces apples that all have many seeds in them. The one seed will produce hundreds of apples, hundreds of seeds. We are told here in no uncertain terms that this applies to our giving.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV) “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”
3. You reap in proportion to your sowing. There is a correlation between how much you give and how much blessings you will receive. Just as in farming - The more you sow, the more you will reap.
I have found this to be true over and over again. I am learning new dimensions of it now. In fact, I intend to explore this principle even deeper in the near future. My heart is that all of us would know God’s blessing of generosity in this way.
May you step out and bless the work of Jesus Christ through your generous giving and may you reap what you sow!
Chris
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
If I go outside right now and throw a rock up into the air as high as I can throw it, a law will inevitably catch up with my throw and bring the rock back to the ground-the law of gravity.
There is another law that I want to show you today-the law of reaping and sowing. We need a farming and gardening mentality when it come to unleashing God’s power into our finances. Do you know that there is power in a seed? Yes, a seed is filled with untold potential just waiting to be released.
The Bible teaches us that when we sow financially into God’s work a powerful law is put into motion. But we need to understand how this law works so let me try and give some insight.
The law of reaping and sowing:
1. You reap later than you sow. We don’t sow some seed and expect the next day for a plant to come up. It takes watering, sunshine and time. So it is with our generosity. We do not reap a return immediately. It often takes time, faith, patience & thanksgiving.
2. You reap more than you sow. Plant an apple seed – that yields an apple tree. That apple tree produces apples that all have many seeds in them. The one seed will produce hundreds of apples, hundreds of seeds. We are told here in no uncertain terms that this applies to our giving.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV) “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”
3. You reap in proportion to your sowing. There is a correlation between how much you give and how much blessings you will receive. Just as in farming - The more you sow, the more you will reap.
I have found this to be true over and over again. I am learning new dimensions of it now. In fact, I intend to explore this principle even deeper in the near future. My heart is that all of us would know God’s blessing of generosity in this way.
May you step out and bless the work of Jesus Christ through your generous giving and may you reap what you sow!
Chris
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Get rich!
Does God want to make you rich? I have seen every kind of warped teaching there is on money from TV preachers. They say, “give to my ministry $100 dollars and God will give you $1000” Sometimes they promise even more. What is the truth? Is God’s heart to make people rich? Or is His heart to bless? Are those always the same thing?
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously-Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor. 9:6,10-11
This passage is often used (or misused) to say that God wants to make us rich. Let’s be honest, it does say that. So how does God want us to interpret this? Who does it apply to?
Let’s ask who was this written to? It was written to people who had already given to support the work of God. Paul was telling them that the law of sowing and reaping would apply to them because they invested in reaching people for Christ. He tells them that they will be made rich in every way. Why would these people be made rich? Because they had shown that they could be trusted with worldly wealth and that they would use it for even greater levels of generocity.
Can you be trusted to be a conduit through which God can pour His heart of blessing? I believe that God does want to enrich us more than we know. I also believe His blessing flows into hearts that sincerely desire to be a blessing.
Do you want to be made rich in every way? I would suspect most of us do. Then let us determine to use our resources to advance God's Kingdom. Anyone with that desire is in line for God blessing as spoken in His word.
May we sow generously into the work of God.
May we give joyfully to the church and its mission in the world.
May we find out what God meant when He said He would make us rich in every way!
Chris
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously-Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor. 9:6,10-11
This passage is often used (or misused) to say that God wants to make us rich. Let’s be honest, it does say that. So how does God want us to interpret this? Who does it apply to?
Let’s ask who was this written to? It was written to people who had already given to support the work of God. Paul was telling them that the law of sowing and reaping would apply to them because they invested in reaching people for Christ. He tells them that they will be made rich in every way. Why would these people be made rich? Because they had shown that they could be trusted with worldly wealth and that they would use it for even greater levels of generocity.
Can you be trusted to be a conduit through which God can pour His heart of blessing? I believe that God does want to enrich us more than we know. I also believe His blessing flows into hearts that sincerely desire to be a blessing.
Do you want to be made rich in every way? I would suspect most of us do. Then let us determine to use our resources to advance God's Kingdom. Anyone with that desire is in line for God blessing as spoken in His word.
May we sow generously into the work of God.
May we give joyfully to the church and its mission in the world.
May we find out what God meant when He said He would make us rich in every way!
Chris
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all. May our men see a vision of greatness! May our church inspire them toward it! May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God! May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all. May our men see a vision of greatness! May our church inspire them toward it! May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God! May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
Monday, July 03, 2006
Blurred Vision
“Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28
One of the greatest things in a man’s life is his dreams. His hope for the future that good things are in store-that he can make something happen that will ultimately define him as a success.
No man naturally envisions a life of insignificance or failure. It takes a few blows to the heart and a few arrows in the back for him to start doing that. Then and only then will he begin the process of giving in. For a man, this is the beginning of his death.
I know a man who has dreamed all his life of doing something good-something heroic. As a boy he dreamed freely. Then life betrayed him as it does all of us. It was a blow that knocked him off course, just a few degrees but none the less, off course. Then another arrow-this time from someone close, someone he trusted. The result was a sharp turn onto a pathway of addiction, hurt, and betrayal that lasted for several years. That pathway led to a dead end that broke him. He no longer had the strength of heart to dream. He saw nothing in the future. Hope was lost.
It was then that he was ready for the introduction. He met a man that would cause him to dream again. He would place the seed of a growing vision in his heart. The vision has been believed, doubted, laid down, purified, challenged, ridiculed, and everything else you can think of. For him, it is the source of great joy and extreme agony. It is all he can do to cling to what He believes God has shown him.
Why is it that so many no longer really dream? Why is it that countless men look forward to little more than what is on TV tonight or what kind of fun can be had this weekend? Why? Because it is far less painful. You can’t really mess those dreams up too badly can you? I mean, if I really envision a future of something great all kinds of painful scenarios come into the picture.
If I do truly pursue my dreams, I will have to rise personally to meet the challenge. I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes. I can be kind of irresponsible and well, lazy sometimes. TV is easier.
Also, if I do rise, something will happen to knock me down-it always does. I’m tired of that.
The problem with not dreaming though is even worse because “where there is no vision people perish” and they “cast off restraint”. Undisciplined, unfocused men cause problems. They become short-sighted and live for only now. Pleasure becomes a high priority. Men can become very destructive to themselves and those around them when they no longer dream.
The only hope for a man is to hear the Voice of Truth. It is a distinctly different voice than the other voice we have been hearing. The father of lies has convinced many to give up on any real hope for the future and sold us on the “American dream” which ends up really being a nightmare of foolishness. The voice of truth tells me a different story. It is the voice of my true Father. Listen to him:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) 24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
When my friend’s vision gets blurred and he starts to think about giving in, I just remind him of the Voice of Truth. His voice clears up everything for me-I mean my friend.
We’ll continue this discussion this week.
Chris
One of the greatest things in a man’s life is his dreams. His hope for the future that good things are in store-that he can make something happen that will ultimately define him as a success.
No man naturally envisions a life of insignificance or failure. It takes a few blows to the heart and a few arrows in the back for him to start doing that. Then and only then will he begin the process of giving in. For a man, this is the beginning of his death.
I know a man who has dreamed all his life of doing something good-something heroic. As a boy he dreamed freely. Then life betrayed him as it does all of us. It was a blow that knocked him off course, just a few degrees but none the less, off course. Then another arrow-this time from someone close, someone he trusted. The result was a sharp turn onto a pathway of addiction, hurt, and betrayal that lasted for several years. That pathway led to a dead end that broke him. He no longer had the strength of heart to dream. He saw nothing in the future. Hope was lost.
It was then that he was ready for the introduction. He met a man that would cause him to dream again. He would place the seed of a growing vision in his heart. The vision has been believed, doubted, laid down, purified, challenged, ridiculed, and everything else you can think of. For him, it is the source of great joy and extreme agony. It is all he can do to cling to what He believes God has shown him.
Why is it that so many no longer really dream? Why is it that countless men look forward to little more than what is on TV tonight or what kind of fun can be had this weekend? Why? Because it is far less painful. You can’t really mess those dreams up too badly can you? I mean, if I really envision a future of something great all kinds of painful scenarios come into the picture.
If I do truly pursue my dreams, I will have to rise personally to meet the challenge. I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes. I can be kind of irresponsible and well, lazy sometimes. TV is easier.
Also, if I do rise, something will happen to knock me down-it always does. I’m tired of that.
The problem with not dreaming though is even worse because “where there is no vision people perish” and they “cast off restraint”. Undisciplined, unfocused men cause problems. They become short-sighted and live for only now. Pleasure becomes a high priority. Men can become very destructive to themselves and those around them when they no longer dream.
The only hope for a man is to hear the Voice of Truth. It is a distinctly different voice than the other voice we have been hearing. The father of lies has convinced many to give up on any real hope for the future and sold us on the “American dream” which ends up really being a nightmare of foolishness. The voice of truth tells me a different story. It is the voice of my true Father. Listen to him:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) 24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
When my friend’s vision gets blurred and he starts to think about giving in, I just remind him of the Voice of Truth. His voice clears up everything for me-I mean my friend.
We’ll continue this discussion this week.
Chris
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